ACCREDITATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES of the. AVMA COMMITTEE ON VETERINARY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION AND ACTIVITIES (CVTEA) July 2017

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1 ACCREDITATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES of the AVMA COMMITTEE ON VETERINARY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION AND ACTIVITIES (CVTEA) July 2017 Accreditation of veterinary technology programs is conducted within the Education and Research Division of the AVMA. Accreditation activities take place in the Center for Veterinary Education Accreditation (CVEA). The Council on Education (COE) accredits DVM or equivalent educational programs and the CVTEA accredits veterinary technology programs. This material has been provided by the publisher for your convenience. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without permission in writing from the publisher.

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Section Title Page I AVMA POLICY ON VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY 1 Preamble 1 Nomenclature 1 The Role of Veterinary Technicians 1 The Role of the AVMA 1 Education 2 Continuing Education 2 Accreditation 2 Regulation of Veterinary Technicians 2 Canadian Recognition 2 Veterinary Assistant Programs 3 II COMMITTEE ON VETERINARY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION AND ACVITIES (CVTEA) 1 Objectives 1 Membership 1 Appointment and Tenure 1 Standing Subcommittees 2 Meetings 2 Reports 2 Expenses 2 Confidentiality 2 Statement on Integrity 2 Conflict of Interest Policy 3 III CVTEA ROSTER 1 IV ACCREDITATION STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR INTERPRETATION 1 V CLASSIFICATION OF ACCREDITATION 1 Procedure for Programs with classification of Terminal Accreditation 2 Procedure for Programs with classification of Accreditation Withdrawn 3 VI STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) FOR ACCREDITATION OF PROGRAMS 1 EDUCATING VETERINARY TECHNICIANS SOP for Initial Accreditation 1 SOP for Re-accreditation 2 SOP for Site Visits 2 Subsequent Reporting 4 Initial and Adverse Accreditation 5 Reporting to the Community 6 Accreditation Fees 6 Participation of Site Visit Observers 6 VII STANDARD PROTOCOL FOR HANDLING COMPLAINTS DIRECTED AT A VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM 1 VIII DEFICIENCY & RECOMMENDATION CATEGORIES 1 IX PROCEDURES FOR APPEAL OF ADVERSE DECISIONS ON ACCREDITATION 1 X SPECIAL SITE VISIT 1 XI QUALITY ASSURANCE 1

3 APPENDICES TABLE OF CONTENTS Appendix Appendix A Statement on Safety Appendix Title Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G Appendix H Appendix I Appendix J Appendix K Use of Animals in veterinary Technology Teaching Programs Off-campus clinical instruction Guidelines for Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology Degree Application for Accreditation Self-Study Submission Guidelines and Site Visit Materials Self-Study Report Equipment and Instructional Resources List Veterinary Technology Student Essential and Recommended Skills List Annual/Biennial/Interim/Terminal Reports Substantive Change Form

4 I. AVMA POLICY ON VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY Preamble The AVMA recognizes the value of veterinary technicians as an integral component of veterinary medicine and urges full utilization of veterinary technicians. The veterinary profession is enhanced through efficient utilization of each member of the veterinary health care team by appropriate delegation of tasks and responsibilities to support staff. Nomenclature Veterinary technology is the science and art of providing professional support to veterinarians. AVMA CVTEA accredits programs in veterinary technology that graduate veterinary technicians and/or veterinary technologists. A veterinary technician is a graduate of an AVMA CVTEA- or Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)- accredited program in veterinary technology. In most cases the graduate is granted an associate degree or certificate. A veterinary technologist is a graduate of an AVMA CVTEA- or CVMA-accredited program in veterinary technology that grants a baccalaureate degree. Veterinary assistant: The adjectives animal, veterinary, ward, or hospital combined with the nouns attendant, caretaker, or assistant are titles sometimes used for individuals where training, knowledge, and skills are less than that required for identification as a veterinary technician or veterinary technologist. AVMA will encourage schools, organizations, and regulatory authorities to use the standard terminology described above, but will not attempt to interfere, except through educational efforts, with the actual terminology used. The Role of Veterinary Technicians The veterinary technician s role is to provide professional health care in conjunction with the veterinarian. The duties of veterinary technicians shall be performed under the direction, supervision, and responsibility of veterinarians. These duties shall be accomplished in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. These duties shall not include diagnosing, prescribing, or performing surgery except where explicitly permitted by regulation. The veterinary technician must be knowledgeable in the care and handling of animals, their normal and abnormal life processes, medical and surgical nursing, anesthesiology, diagnostic imaging, and clinical laboratory procedures. The Role of the AVMA The AVMA offers consultation on education of veterinary technicians and other related matters. The AVMA encourages colleges/schools of veterinary medicine to demonstrate proper veterinary technician utilization for the veterinary students, the economic value of such utilization, and the advantages of effective utilization of veterinary technicians in the delivery of quality veterinary care. Cooperation and affiliation between veterinary technology programs and veterinary colleges/schools is encouraged. The AVMA makes an ongoing effort to determine and address present and future manpower needs in the field of veterinary technology. Placement services for veterinary technicians are available from the AVMA Career Development Center. The AVMA recognizes the National Association for Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) as the national organization representing veterinary technicians and the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE) as the national organization representing veterinary technician educators. Section I p. 1

5 The AVMA welcomes and encourages the participation and support of veterinary technicians in public relations efforts to promote the use of veterinary services including the appropriate utilization of veterinary technicians. Education Individuals contemplating a career in veterinary technology should attend an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program at an institution of higher learning where instruction is conducted in laboratory or clinical settings with the humane use of live animals. The AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA is charged with the responsibility of providing and monitoring AVMA accreditation of programs in veterinary technology. All accredited programs must meet the Standards of Accreditation of the CVTEA to ensure the quality of the educational experience and the assessment of student knowledge and skills. Continuing Education The CVTEA encourages the development of additional educational and career advancement opportunities for veterinary technicians. Programs are encouraged to partner with national, state, and local groups to provide these opportunities. Accreditation Accreditation of post-secondary educational programs in veterinary technology is based on the provisions outlined in the document Standards of an Acceptable Program for Educating Veterinary Technicians as authorized by the House of Delegates in July The education, development, and accreditation procedures are to be determined and administered by the CVTEA. The Accreditation Policies and Procedures of the AVMA CVTEA is also available on the AVMA website ( under Educational Resources or by going directly to Accreditation of veterinary medical education programs is conducted within the Education and Research Division of the AVMA. Accreditation activities take place in the Center for Veterinary Education Accreditation (CVEA). The Council on Education (COE) accredits DVM or equivalent educational programs and the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) accredits veterinary technology programs. An institution with a distance learning program associated with a traditional program may request that the distance learning program be accredited separately. Regulation of Veterinary Technicians Examination and regulation of veterinary technicians are the responsibilities of state boards of veterinary medicine, veterinary medical examiners, or other authorized state regulatory agencies. State veterinary practice acts provide for limitations on veterinary activities performed by non-veterinarians. The AVMA Model Practice Act includes provisions to permit veterinary technicians to perform all activities in which they are educated, but does not allow them to diagnose, prescribe, or perform surgery. Canadian Recognition At its June 2006 meeting, the AVMA Board of Directors approved a recommendation that the AVMA recommends that veterinary technician credentialing (i.e., licensing, registration, or certification ) entities in the US recognize graduates of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)-accredited veterinary technology programs as eligible for credentialing. In turn, the CVMA recommends that Canadian provincial licensing bodies recognize graduates of AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology programs as being eligible for licensure. As always, eligibility for licensure/registration/certification of veterinary technicians is the purview of each state and provincial credentialing agency. Section I p. 2

6 Veterinary Assistant Programs The AVMA does not accredit veterinary assistant programs. Accredited veterinary technology programs that also offer veterinary assistant programs have an obligation to explain program differences to potential students and the community. Any information publicizing the institution s programs should indicate which programs are accredited by the AVMA. Because establishment of a veterinary assistant program may dilute the instructional resources available for the accredited veterinary technology program, the CVTEA reserves the right to request information about such a program and its relationship with the accredited program. Section I p. 3

7 II. COMMITTEE ON VETERINARY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION AND ACTIVITIES (CVTEA) In 1972 the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) authorized a program of accreditation of training for animal technicians and assigned the responsibility for the program to the Council on Education. At the same time, the HOD authorized the Board of Directors to appoint a Committee on Accreditation of Training for Animal Technicians (CATAT) to function under the guidance of the Council on Education to carry out all duties associated with implementation and continuation of this program. The Board made the initial appointments in1972. In 1974 the charge to the Committee was extended to include all matters pertaining to animal technicians and its title was changed to the Committee on Animal Technician Activities and Training. In 1989 the HOD approved a change in nomenclature substituting the title veterinary technician for animal technician. In 1990 the AVMA Board of Directors approved the name change to the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). The intent of the CVTEA is stated in its mission statement developed in 2001: to shape the future of veterinary medicine by promoting veterinary technology and the veterinary professional team through education, quality, integrity, service, leadership, and collegiality. CVTEA accreditation of educational programs serves to inform the public of those institutions providing quality education for veterinary technicians and to benefit graduates by providing a measure of recognition and enhancing their prospects of employment mobility. Objectives 1. To accredit veterinary technology programs. 2. To assist in the development and improvement of veterinary technology programs. 3. To study all matters pertaining to the activities of veterinary technicians and to advise the AVMA Board of Directors on implementation of AVMA policy concerning such matters. Membership The Committee consists of 20 members. The membership includes nine veterinarians one each from the following categories: AVMA Council on Education, state boards of veterinary medical examiners, private large animal practice, private small animal practice, laboratory animal medicine, regulatory veterinary medicine, faculties of colleges of veterinary medicine, educators of veterinary technicians, and at-large. In addition, the Committee includes seven veterinary technicians (two of whom must be non-program affiliated, one who must be an educator in a veterinary technology program), a veterinary medicine industry representative who may be either a veterinarian or a veterinary technician, a Canadian member of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Animal Health Technologist/Veterinary Technician Program Accreditation Committee (AHTVTPAC) who may be either a veterinarian or a veterinary technician, and two public members who must be engaged in activity other than veterinary medicine or employment as a veterinary technician. All technician members must be graduates of an AVMA CVTEA- or CVMA AHTVTPAC accredited veterinary technology program. All US technician members must be members in good standing of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. Canadian veterinary technician members must be members of the Canadian Association of Animal Health Technicians and Technologists, and Canadian veterinarian members must be members of the CVMA. Appointment and Tenure The Board of Directors appoints the members of the Committee with the following exceptions: the Council on Education appoints one member from its membership, the Committee appoints public members, and the AHTVTPAC appoints the Canadian member. Members serve six-year terms, beginning at the close of the AVMA annual meeting. The COE representative is appointed by the chair of the COE to serve as a voting member for a one-year renewable term. A member shall represent only one area in the context of appointment to the Committee. Members may not serve consecutive full terms. For this purpose, a period less than three years shall not be considered a term. Section II p. 1

8 Standing Subcommittees The CVTEA has five standing subcommittees: Executive Committee, Standards Validity and Reliability Subcommittee, Accreditation Policies and Procedures Manual Subcommittee, Equipment and Skills Evaluation (EASE) Subcommittee, and the Future Focus Subcommittee. The following procedure is used in forming committees: Subcommittees are elected by the CVTEA membership to fill the required categories of representation from CVTEA on each subcommittee. Subcommittee members are elected for one-year renewable terms. Subcommittee chairs are elected by the full committee membership. The CVTEA chair or vice chair serves as an ex-officio member on each subcommittee. The Executive Committee is comprised of the CVTEA chair, vice chair, chair of the Accreditation Policies and Procedures Manual Subcommittee, chair of the Standards Validity and Reliability Subcommittee, chair of the Equipment and Skills Evaluation Subcommittee, and chair of the Future Focus Subcommittee. The purpose of the Executive Committee is to serve as a decision making group for urgent issues that arise in-between full CVTEA meetings. The Executive Committee adheres to the voting policies and procedures established by the AVMA. The Standards Validity and Reliability Subcommittee is a five-member subcommittee comprised of two veterinarians, two veterinary technicians, and one public member. The Subcommittee is responsible for ongoing review of and recommendations for improvement to the accreditation standards. The chair is elected by majority vote of the CVTEA. The Accreditation Policies and Procedures Manual Subcommittee is a five-member subcommittee comprised of two veterinarians, two veterinary technicians, and one public member. The Subcommittee is responsible for ongoing review of and recommendations for improvement to the CVTEA policy and procedures. The chair is elected by majority vote of the CVTEA. The Equipment and Skills Evaluation Subcommittee is a four member subcommittee comprised of two veterinarians and two veterinary technicians. The Subcommittee is responsible for ongoing review of and recommendations for improvement to the essential skills and required equipment lists. The chair is elected by majority vote of the CVTEA. The Future Focus Subcommittee is a five-member committee responsible for addressing current and potential future issues affecting the veterinary technology profession including, but not limited to, the Committee s ability to meet its charge, improvement of the accreditation process, and monitoring issues impacting the veterinary technology profession. CVTEA Officers The officers of the CVTEA are as follows: Chair Vice Chair Chair of the Standards Validity and Reliability Subcommittee Chair of the Accreditation Policies and Procedures Manual Subcommittee Chair of the Equipment and Skills Evaluation Subcommittee Chair if the Future Focus Subcommittee The Chair of the CVTEA is the Chief Administrator of the Committee and presiding officer responsible for the conduct of all official meetings. As presiding officer, the Chair: Must be familiar with the bylaws and standing rules of the Committee as well as the job descriptions for officers and committees. Ensures that action taken by the Committee is based on a majority vote. Section II p. 2

9 Conducts meetings according to the most recent version of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised. In consultation with AVMA staff, establishes the agenda for Committee meetings. With AVMA staff assistance, originates or edits all official Committee correspondence and communication reflecting policies and procedures of the Committee to the veterinary technology programs and other individuals and organizations interacting with the CVTEA. Such correspondence communicating official Committee action or policy will be on AVMA letterhead over the signature of the Chair. The Vice Chair of the CVTEA shall be a member of the Executive Committee and shall assume all duties and responsibilities of the Chair in the latter's absence. Meetings Meetings are held twice each year in Schaumburg, Illinois. Reports The Committee reports its activities to the AVMA Board of Directors and other stakeholders twice each year, including evaluations and assignments of accreditation status through an online newsletter and on the AVMA website. Expenses The AVMA reimburses committee members for expenses associated with attendance at Committee meetings. Confidentiality To ensure that all matters dealing with accreditation of veterinary technology programs are conducted with integrity and objectivity, the CVTEA has adopted a confidentiality policy. Those who participate in CVTEA activities, including but not limited to CVTEA members, non-cvtea site team members, and appropriate AVMA staff, must maintain the confidentiality of all non-public information relating to accreditation in accordance with this policy. 1. Communications with veterinary technology programs, accrediting and state agencies, and the public. In order to provide veterinary technology programs, credentialing, government, accrediting and state agencies, and the public with the most accurate information possible, the CVTEA has adopted specific policies and procedures governing all CVTEA communications. Communications that are not consistent with the CVTEA policies and procedures and that have not been approved and issued by the CVTEA are strictly prohibited. All discussions, observations, and documents associated with site visits and accreditation decisions are confidential to the CVTEA and should not be discussed with anyone other than CVTEA members, appropriate AVMA staff, the AVMA Board of Directors as observers of the CVTEA, and non-cvtea site team members when necessary. Information regarding accreditation decisions cannot be shared with any individual or group other than: 1) the veterinary technology program through the official report of evaluation, 2) reports to accrediting, credentialing, government, and state agencies, and 3) the public through official announcements. In the sole discretion of the CVTEA Chair, the reports to accrediting, credentialing, government, and state agencies may include non-public information or documents provided by veterinary technology programs or otherwise obtained by CVTEA in the accreditation process. Any inquiries made to CVTEA members regarding the accreditation process or specific programs should be referred to the CVTEA Chair and appropriate AVMA staff. 2. Communications with AVMA Staff, Officers, and Members. It is the policy of the CVTEA to ensure that its accreditation decisions are independent and are not subject to interference from any organization or individual. Appropriate AVMA staff and the designated AVMA CVTEA observers may attend CVTEA meetings and provide assistance to the CVTEA as necessary, and shall maintain the confidentiality of all non-public information regarding accreditation decisions. The CVTEA Chair and appropriate AVMA staff may share non-public information or documents provided by veterinary technology programs or otherwise obtained by CVTEA in the accreditation process on a confidential basis with AVMA officers, the Board of Directors, other AVMA-affiliated individuals, outside experts, or other consultants. In accordance with AVMA policy, all information related to the CVTEA accreditation of a veterinary technology program (VTP) is strictly confidential. This includes, but is not limited to, reports of evaluation, letters, self- Section II p. 3

10 evaluation and accreditation materials, interim/annual/biennial reports, correspondence, and the content of any discussion related to the VTP and/or its accreditation. All requests for information related to a specific institution and/or VTP must be referred to AVMA staff, or to the respective institution. Freedom of Information Acts which may be applicable in a given state do not apply to AVMA confidential information related to the accreditation of veterinary technology programs. Information requested through such acts may be obtained through due process from the respective institution or state office. Statement On Integrity To foster ongoing confidence in the specialized accreditation process, both the veterinary technology program and the AVMA CVTEA must be assured that functions assigned to each entity are clearly understood. The following are some of the areas where special efforts must be made to assure integrity of the process: Integrity Veterinary Technology Program 1. The program must present accurate information to the CVTEA for accreditation evaluation, and must allow access to all parts of the operation during the site visit. 2. The program must refrain from misleading advertisement of the program, and must correct any inaccuracy in a timely manner. 3. The program must make every effort to protect students. The protection must include, but is not limited to, unbiased grading procedures and access to educational opportunity, scholarships, and student services. 4. If a program releases information regarding its accreditation status, the information must be correct. Should misinformation be released, the college must correct the information in a timely manner. Integrity - CVTEA 1. The CVTEA must conform to the Conflict of Interest Policy. 2. During the evaluation process, the CVTEA must evaluate the program only on the Standards of Accreditation. Application of the Standards to all programs must be unbiased. 3. The site visit and deliberation toward the assignment of accreditation status must be conducted with the highest ethical standards. 4. All material, discussion, and decision of the CVTEA regarding accreditation must be confidential. 5. The CVTEA must recognize institutional and program diversity when making accreditation decisions. 6. The CVTEA must inform all state, institution, and program officials of matters related to accreditation in a timely manner. 7. No current CVTEA members may serve on a site visit to a program in which there is a conflict of interest. CVTEA CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY Avoidance of Conflict of Interest To ensure that all matters dealing with accreditation of programs in veterinary technology are conducted in an unbiased manner, the CVTEA has adopted a Conflict of Interest Policy. The policy extends and pertains to those CVTEA members who have immediate family (parents, spouses, and siblings) in any of the potential conflict areas listed. Further, the policy extends to all AVMA CVTEA support staff. a. CVTEA Members No member of the CVTEA who has an identified conflict of interest shall participate in any way in accrediting decisions who: Is a graduate of the program or the institution being evaluated. Is currently employed or has financial interest with a program or institution that is a potential competitor of the program being evaluated. Is or has been employed by the program or institution being evaluated. Is or has had financial interest in the program or institution being evaluated. Is a member of the advisory committee or IACUC of the program being evaluated. Section II p. 4

11 Is an employee or former (within the past five years) employee of the AVMA. Has reason to believe other conflicts of interest exist that have not been listed herein. (The member should communicate with the Chair of the Committee for clarification of any concerns.) b. AVMA CVTEA Staff Although AVMA CVTEA staff members do not participate directly in decisions regarding accreditation of programs, they are in a position to influence the outcomes of the process. Conversely, staff provides continuity to the evaluation process. No AVMA CVTEA staff member will serve on a site visit team who: Has graduated during the past five years from a program being evaluated. Has been employed during the past five years by a program or institution being evaluated. Has close personal or familial relationships with key personnel in the program or institution being evaluated. Conduct of CVTEA Meetings No member of the CVTEA who has an identified conflict of interest shall participate in any way in accrediting decisions. The individual shall leave the room when the report in question is being discussed. In cases where the existence of a conflict of interest is less obvious, it is the responsibility of any Committee member who feels a potential conflict of interest exists, to absent themselves from the room. The conflict of interest policy shall be limited to decisions regarding accreditation and shall not infer conflict with other decision-making responsibilities. Section II p. 5

12 III. COMMITTEE ON VETERINARY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION AND ACTIVITIES (CVTEA) ROSTER JULY Representing/Member City/State Term Private Large Animal Practice Dr. Martha Mallicote Micanopy, FL Private Small Animal Practice Dr. Edward Javorka Culver, IN Educators of Veterinary Technicians Dr. Kelly Black McKinney, TX Industrial Veterinary Medicine Gobles, MI Dr. Dale Cooper Faculties of Colleges of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Elizabeth Thompson Harrogate, TN Regulatory Veterinary Medicine Dr. Pepi Leids Bath, NY Veterinary Technicians Ms. Tracy Blais, CVT Newton Center, MA Non-Program Affiliated Veterinary Technicians Ms. Mary Berg, BS, RVT, LATG, VTS (Dentistry) Lawrence, KS Ms. Ramona Crane, LVT, CVT Colorado Springs, CO Ms. Kelsie Dolezal, CVT Crystal Lake, IL Ms. Kelly Foltz, BA, LVT, VTS (ECC) Notasulga, AL Dr. Sandra Morales Foster, LVT, MS, DrPH Homewood, AL Ms. Sharon Johnston, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia) Statham, GA Laboratory Animal Medicine Dr. Cynthia Lockworth Houston, TX ; Filling unexpired term Veterinary State Boards Dr. Susan Bull Candler, NC Public Dr. Bruce Kinghorn Fair Oaks, CA ; Filling unexpired term Ms. Lisa Miller Dresher, PA Council on Education Dr. James Hoffmann Searcy, AR At-Large Dr. Kimberly Kratt La Crosse, WI Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Dr. Jocelyn Forseille Spruce Gove, AB Section III p. 1

13 Oversight responsibility: AVMA Staff Roster Ms. Rachel Valentine, RVT, BS, Assistant Director ext Ms. Laura Lien, CVT, VTS (LAIM), MS, Assistant Director ext Dr. Kenneth Clever, Assistant Director Education and Research Division, 1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL Staff responsibility: Ms. Julie Horvath, CVTEA Accreditation Manager; ext. 6624; Ms. Diana Olivera, Administrative Assistant, ext. 6306; Section III p. 2

14 IV. ACCREDITATION STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR INTERPRETATION Accreditation is the voluntary process by which educational institutions are evaluated for quality based on conformity with established standards. Accreditation serves to enhance the profession and to protect the public by identifying goals and assisting institutions in achieving those goals. The following minimum standards have been established by the AVMA through the CVTEA for quality assessment and quality enhancement of accredited veterinary technology programs. STANDARDS OF ACCREDITATION 1. Institutional Accreditation 2. Finances 3. Organization and Communications 4. Physical Facilities and Equipment 5. Resources for Clinical Instruction 6. Library and Informational Resources 7. Admissions 8. Students 9. Faculty and Staff 10. Curriculum 11. Outcomes Assessment All accredited programs must substantially meet the Standards of Accreditation. Programs of veterinary technology are evaluated by the CVTEA on the basis of compliance with the Standards. These Standards are intended to assist programs in preparing entry-level veterinary technicians. Standards are written to allow flexibility in the design and implementation of a program. It is recognized that the Standards reflect an evolving process and are subject to change. Primary learning supervised by program personnel whether on campus or at off-site clinical facilities is considered on campus learning. Primary learning taking place off campus but graded via electronic submission (video) by program personnel is considered distance learning. The following definitions shall be used in applying the Standards: Must, shall: Indicates an imperative need, duty or requirement; an essential or indispensable item; mandatory. Should: Indicates the recommended and highly desirable manner in which to attain the Standard. Compliance is expected unless there are extraordinary and justifiable circumstances that preclude full compliance. May: Indicates freedom or liberty to follow a suggested alternative. 1) Institutional Accreditation An accredited veterinary technology program in the United States must be part of an institution of higher education accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Non-U.S. programs must be part of an institution of higher learning recognized by the appropriate national, provincial, or regional agency with that authority. 2) Finances Sustainable financial support must be adequate for the program to attain the educational goals and support its mission. 3) Organization and Communications 3a. The program must develop and follow its mission statement. Section IV p. 1

15 3b. There must be clearly defined lines of communication between the institution and the program director, program director and faculty/adjuncts, between program personnel, and between program personnel and students. 3c. Program relationships with students, faculty, administrators, and the public must be conducted with integrity. Policies and available educational services for veterinary technology students must be clearly defined. 3d. The CVTEA must be apprised of changes in administration, organization, association with the parent institution, and major changes in the curriculum, faculty, or stated objectives. All changes must be reported to the CVTEA and conform with substantive change reporting requirements and describe how the program will continue to comply with accreditation Standards. (Refer to AVMA CVTEA Substantive Change Report, Appendix K) 3e. The program must have an advisory committee that meets at least annually to provide counsel regarding equipment, curriculum, demographic trends and other matters pertaining to the veterinary technology profession. Membership must include veterinarians and veterinary technicians with diverse professional interests, and should include credentialed veterinary technicians, veterinary technician students, industry representatives, and public members. 3f. Programs with agreements between two or more institutions are recognized. The institution accredited by the CVTEA is declared the parent (home) institution and grants the degree or certificate. 3g. Communication and interactions with veterinary technician educator associations, veterinary medical associations, and veterinary technician associations should be maintained. 4) Physical Facilities and Equipment 4a. All aspects of the physical facilities must provide an environment conducive to learning and the achievement of the educational goals. Classrooms, teaching laboratories, and other teaching spaces shall be clean, maintained in good repair, adequate in number, appropriate in capacity, and provided with sufficient equipment to meet the instructional need and the number of students enrolled. 4b. All clinical facilities for primary learning must emulate contemporary veterinary facilities. Standard types of laboratory and clinical equipment, consistent with those used in contemporary veterinary facilities, shall be provided. Programs must have access to all items listed in the Equipment and Instructional Resource List, Appendix H over the sum total of all primary learning sites. 4c. Office space must be sufficient for the instructional, advisement, and administrative needs of the faculty, staff, and program. 4d. Animal housing must be consistent with accepted humane standards and federal and state regulations. See 5b. 4e. Safety of students, program personnel, and animals must be of prime consideration. (Refer to Statement on Safety, Appendix A). 4f. All use of drugs, biologics, reagents, and other materials used in conjunction with animal care must be in compliance with state and federal regulations including current dating and appropriate labeling. Materials used for demonstration purposes must be appropriately identified and stored. Controlled substances shall be stored and logged in accordance with state and federal regulations. 4g. Waste management shall be appropriate for the needs of the program and consistent with regulatory agency requirements. 4h. Storage must be sufficient for program needs. 5) Resources for Clinical Instruction 5a. Programs must follow all applicable federal and state regulations and guidelines for the care and use of animals utilized by the program. The CVTEA endorses the principles of humane care and use of animals as codified in the Section IV p. 2

16 Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and requires programs to follow AWA regulations and policies with respect to all animal use. All animal activities conducted by a program must be reviewed and approved by an animal care and use committee whose structure and functions are in accord with AWA requirements. 5b. Adequate numbers of common domestic and laboratory animal species are required to provide the necessary quantity and quality of clinical instruction to meet curriculum requirements without overuse of the animals or violation of AWA requirements for humane use and care (see Use of Animals in Veterinary Technology Teaching Programs, Appendix B). 5c. Models and other alternate methods of teaching that are consistent with the goals of the curriculum must be considered to replace, reduce or refine animal use. 5d. Records and logs for animals used by the program must be comprehensive and accurately maintained. 5e. Off-campus providers of instructional support must meet objective requirements set by the program with respect to the physical facilities, staff, and available equipment. A memorandum of understanding or contractual arrangement must be established with all off-campus sites including, but not limited to, externship, preceptorship, and distance learning sites. (See Off-Campus Clinical Instruction, Appendix C.) 5f. If program staffed clinical veterinary services are offered, documented evidence must exist that clients are informed that student instruction is a major component of patient care. The primary purpose of such clinical veterinary services, regardless of animal ownership, must be teaching, not revenue generation. 6) Library and Informational Resources 6a. Libraries and information retrieval are essential to veterinary technician education and continuing education. Timely access to current information resources pertaining to veterinary technology through print, electronic media, and/or other means must be available to students, faculty, and staff. Students must have access to a qualified resource specialist. 6b. Knowledge of quality information resources, library use and development and application of information retrieval skills must be included in the educational experience. 7) Admissions 7a. The institution and program admission policies must be well defined and documented. 7b. Applicants must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Consideration of the qualifications of applicants for admission must include aptitude for, and interest in, a career in veterinary technology. 7c. The CVTEA recognizes that some institutions must perform under open admissions policies that prohibit selective entry into veterinary technician education programs. However, the development and consistent application of selective admissions standards may be helpful in admitting more qualified students, reducing attrition, and producing graduates who are most likely to succeed, and therefore should be implemented. 7d. Catalogs, website, or other official publications must contain the institutional and programmatic purposes and objectives, admission requirements and procedures, academic offerings, degree granted, and program requirements for completion of the degree, including the existence of any technical standards. This information must include the length of time necessary for completion; policies with respect to satisfactory academic progress; policies on transfer of credits; tuition, fees, and other program costs; refund policies; and national and state requirements for eligibility for credentialing or entry into the field of veterinary technology. 7e. The institution and program must demonstrate integrity and responsibility in student recruitment practices. Admission must be non-discriminatory and in accordance with federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations. Personnel who are knowledgeable about the program and its requirements should conduct student recruitment. 7f. The program director or director s appointee should participate in the deliberations of the admissions committee Section IV p. 3

17 and selection of students. 8) Students 8a. The number of students must be appropriate to achieve the mission of the program. Enrollment must not exceed the available resources including the number of faculty and support staff needed to meet the educational goals of the curriculum. An appropriate instructor-to-student ratio must be maintained to ensure student safety and adequate delivery of instruction in a variety of teaching environments. 8b. Student support services must be available within the institution for program students. Interactions between students and faculty/staff must be sufficient to communicate expectations for successful academic performance, provide feedback for improvement of skills and knowledge, and encourage professional growth and development. 8c. Throughout the curriculum, students must be exposed to veterinary team concepts and appropriate modeling of ethical and professional behavior. 8d. Students should be encouraged to form a student organization, and this organization should become an affiliate of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and appropriate state veterinary technology associations. Students should be encouraged to be active in local, state, and national veterinary technician organizations. 9) Faculty and Staff 9a. Faculty and staff numbers must be sufficient to deliver the educational program and meet the instructional goals of the program. 9b. Instructors in the program must have knowledge and expertise in the topics they teach and promote the appropriate role of the veterinary technician in the veterinary health care team. Instructional duties must not violate local, state, or federal laws regarding the practice of veterinary medicine. 9c. The program director must be a licensed veterinarian or a credentialed veterinary technician who must be a graduate of an AVMA-accredited program. The program director must have the educational background and occupational experience appropriate to understand and fulfill program goals. The position of the program director should be full time with the institution. 9d. The director must have the responsibility, authority, and support necessary to manage the program successfully. This shall be documented in a written job description that also shall clearly define the position of the director within the institutional hierarchy. The program director must be responsible for organizing continuous program review and development processes that assure program effectiveness. The program director s appointment must include sufficient time for administrative and teaching responsibilities as well as opportunities and support for professional development. 9e. Each program must have a minimum equivalent of one full-time licensed veterinarian and a minimum equivalent of one full-time credentialed veterinary technician who must be a graduate of an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program. 9f. Academic positions must offer sufficient compensation, incentives, and employment security to attract and retain qualified personnel in order to maintain program stability. Faculty and staff must have sufficient time for development and delivery of instruction, curriculum development, student evaluation, student advisement and counseling, and professional development. Programs should provide financial support for veterinary professional development activities. 9g. The institution must provide evidence that it evaluates program personnel regularly and assists and facilitates professional growth. Program personnel should be encouraged and financially supported to be participating members of local, state, and national veterinary professional associations. Section IV p. 4

18 10) Curriculum 10a. The curriculum must prepare graduates who will be fully capable of performing in a wide variety of professional roles within the veterinary field. At the completion of the curriculum, graduates must have attained entry-level skills needed to support companion animal, equine, and food animal practice, biomedical research, and other veterinary medical activities. The curriculum shall provide a foundation in veterinary technology that will prepare the student to successfully become credentialed and inspire the student to continue life-long learning. 10b. The specific courses shall teach basic medical science, communication, critical thinking, decision-making, and clinical application skills. Integration of nursing, technical, and medical skills within the curriculum must use live animals. Whenever possible, animal nursing skills should be developed in a setting and under conditions that are a reflection of the manner in which graduates will use these skills. 10c. The curriculum must include general education and specific veterinary technology course content. Required materials can be offered as complete course offerings or be integrated into courses involving more than one area of recommended material. Course objectives must be clearly communicated to the student through syllabi or other course documents. Course offerings to meet curriculum requirements must constitute a minimum of 60 semester credit hours (or equivalent). GENERAL COURSE MATERIAL: Applied mathematics Biological science Communication skills Fundamentals of chemistry SPECIFIC COURSE MATERIAL: Anatomy and physiology Anesthesia, including induction, monitoring, and instrumentation Animal husbandry, including restraint, behavior, species and breed identification, reproduction, sex determination, and human-animal bonding Biosecurity-safety and security issues Clinical pathology and parasitology Communication/Interaction skills with clients and colleagues Diseases, preventive medicine (including dentistry), and nursing of companion animals, food-producing animals, horses, exotic species, and laboratory animals Economics in veterinary practice Ethics, professionalism, and legal applications in veterinary medicine Humane animal care and management Introduction to laboratory animal medicine Life-long learning concepts Medical terminology Microbiology and immunology Necropsy techniques Nutrition and principles of feeding Orientation to the profession of veterinary technology Pharmacology for veterinary technicians Principles of imaging, including radiography and ultrasonography Safety Issues, consistent with the CVTEA Statement on Safety with course work emphasis on zoonoses and occupational safety (see Appendix A). Surgical nursing and assisting, including instrumentation Technician utilization and team concepts of health care delivery Value of professional organizations Veterinary office management and elementary computer skills Section IV p. 5

19 10d. Practical veterinary experience that expands student knowledge and builds proficiency of acquired skills through task-specific exercises is a required portion of the curriculum. These experiences are usually termed preceptorships, practicums, internships, or externships. Practical experiences are for the purpose of honing skills learned in formal instructional settings and should be scheduled to occur following completion of skills acquisition. These practical experiences should be a minimum of 240 cumulative contact hours and must be monitored by the program director or the director s appointee who must be a program faculty or staff member. Prior to the beginning of the practical experience, on-site supervisors must be contacted by the program. Students and faculty should seek progressive contemporary facilities that employ credentialed veterinary technicians to act as professional role models and mentors. During the practical experience, contact must be maintained with students and their on-site supervisors to monitor students personal and educational experiences. It is highly recommended that such contact take place through personal visits and interviews by the program director or appointee. Specific criteria must be used to assist on-site supervisors in monitoring student progress. The program director or appointee shall review student performance evaluations by on-site supervisors, student evaluation of the experiences, and a final student performance evaluation. 10e. Successful completion of all required skills found in the Veterinary Technology Student Essential and Recommended Skills List, Appendix I must be evaluated and documented by program personnel who use standard criteria that reflect contemporary veterinary practice. Program personnel should be a credentialed veterinary technician or veterinarian. Program personnel must have a signed agreement with the parent institution, complete training in evaluating essential skills, and regularly communicate with the program director. This agreement is in addition to any facility MOU required per Appendix C. 10f.The CVTEA recognizes that a program may wish to emphasize certain areas within the curriculum to capitalize on regional variation, institutional strengths, and available job markets. This emphasis should be clearly stated in the mission statement/objectives of the program, and the curriculum shall then reflect that emphasis. A choice to emphasize one aspect of the curriculum must not interfere with the acquisition of all skills listed on the Veterinary Technology Student Essential and Recommended Skills list (Appendix I). 10g. The CVTEA recognizes that academic institutions have the inherent right to accept credits from other colleges, universities, recognized educational entities, or prior learning. However, if the program accepts veterinary technician-related course credit from institutions not accredited by AVMA CVTEA, the program must ensure that the rigor of transfer courses meets CVTEA Standards. Provision of prior learning must include documentation or critical evaluation of these experiences to award college credit or advanced standing. Documentation of the assurance may be requested for review during the program accreditation process. 10h. At times, accredited programs are requested to give credit for high school courses with titles similar to those required for graduation from a CVTEA-accredited program. If credit is to be given for such courses, the student must first be required to demonstrate to veterinary technology program faculty a level of competency comparable to that of students who complete the required course successfully. 11) Outcomes Assessment 11a. The program must develop program-specific outcome assessment instruments that assist in determining attainment of the educational goals. Such instruments shall include, but are not limited to attrition rates, graduate and employer surveys, pass rates and domain scores of the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) as compared to the national average and applicable state examination pass rates. The results of all outcome assessments must be used to improve the program. In absence of significant data from peer reviewed examinations, programs must develop objective means to assess student competency. 11b. CVTEA expects the institution to encourage and support the program review and evaluation process for the outcomes of the educational program. 11c. Programs must comply with VTNE reporting requirements. (see Reporting to the Community, section VI) Section IV p. 6